I’ve been wanting to pursue civil engineering, but recently I’ve been thinking about majoring in mathematics to become a math teacher. I decided to stick with applying for civil engineering, and later on if I decide to switch I can since it’s much harder to switch into engineering later on. However, I know that civil engineering is much more competitive at many schools and I’m more likely to get accepted if I apply for math.
UCLA is one of my top choices and they allow students to select an alternate major, so I was planning to put mathematics for that. Will they take my alternate major into account and possibly admit me into mathematics if I’m not competitive enough for civil engineering?
I understand that UCSD admits people into the college first and then the major. Is UCLA the same?
Thank you!
From the UCLA FAQ:
Q: IF I AM NOT ADMITTED UNDER MY FIRST CHOICE MAJOR, WILL UCLA REVIEW ME FOR MY ALTERNATE MAJOR?
A: Within the College of Letters and Science, the major an applicant chooses is not a factor in the review process at the freshman level. UCLA does not normally consider the alternate choices of applicants who applied to majors in the other schools (Engineering, Arts, etc.).
I went to a UCLA info session with DS. The admission director told us the same as @Gumbymom said. If you select a major in Engineering school, your alternative major should also be in the Engineering school (you can select “Undeclared Engineering” if no other specific engineering field.)
@Gumbymom Could you please help me understand what you said above: I applied to UCLA and chose DMA (Digital Media Art) Major as my choice #1 - it’s under the school of Arts and Architecture. My choice #2 was Economics under the school of L&S. Would my alternative major be considered if I don’t get into my first one? DMA is a very competitive major and they only admit about 40 students/year.
@collegefind1234: To clarify the statement I posted from the UCLA website: “UCLA does not normally consider alternate majors” in the other Colleges such as the College of Arts and Architecture. Does this mean they will not consider your alternate major, I cannot say for sure. I would call admissions to confirm.
I will also give you a link in regards to each UC campus and their policy about alternate majors. On the Freshman matrix it states for UCLA “Are alternate majors considered” and the answer is no.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/freshman-admission-matrix.pdf
@Gumbymom That would be a huge bummer… I wish I knew before applying. Will be calling Admissions tomorrow to double-check and pray they will allow me to make a major change in the application that I submitted two weeks ago.
@Gumbymom Confirming: just spoke with UCLA admissions - my alternative major will NOT be considered because my first one is under the school or Arts and the second one is under the school of L&S. Supper upset!!!
@collegefind1234 , ya, that’s one of the things that truly surprised us when we went to the UCLA info session. It’s not clear on the UC application system at all.